Under the auspices of the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce, a new group is launching to focus on the development and civic engagement of young professionals in the Edmonds area.

“We envision the group as being part networking, part education and strongly encouraging individuals primarily in their 20s and 30s to volunteer and be active in enriching our community,” said Kyle Wood, the first president of the Edmonds Young Professionals (EYP) and owner of Sno-King Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning.

The kick-off event is 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday Feb. 21, at First Financial Northwest Bank, 184 Sunset Ave S, and will include drinks and appetizers. A short presentation about EYP and its goals will be followed with time for networking.

For the last year, the group has been holding informal events and meetings to better understand the needs and desires of its targeted audience.

“We are now ready to officially launch, and we’re looking forward to introducing the group to like-minded people who live or work around Edmonds and want to continue their own personal and professional growth,” Wood said.